My story

[kickboxlvr 23]

I will try keep this short as possible. I think everyone here can attest that we could write a book on our journey.

I've always been in shape. Part of the 290+ high PT club in the Army, basketball, softball, and weightlifting were my sports. After 3 kids I gained more weight that I wanted. After my third child, I lost 65 pounds Kickboxing (I was obsessed with it) and was 10 pounds to go I went to the doctor. I wasn't really feeling right and as active as I was I couldn't understand why I started to gain weight back. I was then diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2009. The roller coaster began. I tried every single fad diet exercise plan and anything I could do to try to lose the weight. I would lose it only to gain it back. I ultimately gave up. I figured that until I could get my thyroid under control why bother besides My primary care would say I was a fit fat mom. My blood pressure / work was fine. I could run 2 to 3 miles without stopping. I was just morbidly obese. I was tired of Fighting and I wanted a new start I wanted a do-over. I was not happy even though everyone else thought I was. I decided to do research to see if this kind of surgery was for me. I went in to a seminar and found out all the different options that were available now a days. I looked into my insurance to find what I needed to do for them to cover me and I had everything ready to go by the time I had my first consultation with my doctor. My insurance only accepts bariatric centers of excellence to perform surgery is to be covered. There was only one in my city. I chose Dr Burpee to do my vertical sleeve. It was literally 1 month between the consultation and my surgery date. I didn't even tell my husband I was looking into this until I had all the appointments and everything in order and I wouldn't change anything. I started this journey at 250 pounds I'm currently 150 pounds. I am elated and have made the decision to gain my muscle back and muscle tone . I hope to be able to one day be a personal trainer specializing in bariatric patients. I want people to know that they are not alone and that they are people out there that want to be a support that have went through it themselves.

[kickboxlvr 23]

Forgot to mention my surgery date was July 28,2014

[JamieLogical 8,684]

Sounds like you are doing great! I'm so glad for you that you are able to be happy and healthy again and I love your "pay it forward" attitude. I wish you the best of luck in achieving your goal of becoming a personal trainer.

[Justoperated 141]

wonderful